At some point, probably after I get my tax return, I'll be shopping for some truck stuff. I can't seem to make up my mind on what would be most useful for me.

Right now some times I want a bed cover, a back rack headache rack and a truck box. I will be using the truck to tow my Neon to the dragway, and will be carrying a canoe from time to time (sometimes up to 250 miles).

I think the truck box is out just because it'd eat up too much bed space and it'd make the hooks on the bottom of the bed pretty much useless. I really like the headache rack (especially the back rack brand) because of the ability to rest the canoe up there and it gives me a higher tie down point for bigger stuff (coulda used it when moving some taller pieces of furniture).

Anyone know if you can use a bed cover with the headache rack? I'm thinking that is my best route right now.

Yeah, so anyone got any input?

 

I know its not on ur list but I think a brush guard would be nice.......look at my sig, they look quite nice.

 

Eh. They aren't my cup of tea. Personally, I do not like the way they look. Also, I'm only thinking about the other stuff because it would be useful to me.

In regards to my bumper, I could see my self painting it some day since I have the lame plastic SXT front bumper.

 

Have a tool box in mine and it doesn't hinder my use of the bed tie downs. Just depends on the type of box. Mine is a in bed box, not rail to rail. At the same time though, you can even mount new tie downs on the toolbox to replace the ones in the bed. You're talking of carrying a canoe, have you thought of getting something like a ladder rack to put on it. Here is a link I found that has a variety of them.

Ladder Racks

Here is another link to one that I think you'd really be interested in.

The Rack Warehouse

 

I see your profile pic has the IBEW decal im assuming your in the biz what do ya do? I only ask cause I am a sorta first year apprentice in the wireman position. I would be a second going on third year but got deployed with the Nat. Guard for 16 mo.

 

Thanks for the links. I don't want a full ladder rack (I'm being very picky, I know). I did find a neat little thing that plugged into the receiver so you can rest the canoe / ladder on that and the rest on a headache rack by the cab. I think that may be the way I go.


NetVersant New England (formerly JCI Communcations)

 

I was trying to find one I know of you'r probably like, but the company that I know was selling them isn't selling them anymore. It's called a Rail-N-Rack. It folds up to become a ladder rack and folds down into bed rails when not in use. Here is the link where they use to be. They still have a pic of it, just don't carry it.

www.pickupspecialties.com/railnrack.htm

Have to do a copy/paste. Couldn't get the link button to work. Good idea and I've seen what you are talking about. There is another one that goes in the anchor holes on the bed like that. (Just one side and slightly angled) I was thinking of that one, that way you'd be able to tow at the same time if you needed, but couldn't find one to show you. Only thing I'd watch with your idea is you might have to add a second rail across the top of your headache rack so your canoe doesn't scratch your roof. Most headache racks just go flush with roof line.

 

I hadn't thought of the fact that the headache that I'm looking is flush with the roofline. I'm sure I could bolt a couple of lengths of 2x4's to the top though. I don't haul the canoe around enough to warrant that folding ladder rack thing.

To shift the topic a little, I noticed you have a CB radio as well. I was looking into getting one since I travel to NJ ALOT (my gf lives down there). Any suggestions there?

 

As for a CB radio, yes, I can definatly point you in the right direction. What exactly are your intentions with it. Depending on how far you want to get out with it and things like this will determine wich set up would work best for you.

Right from the start though, I will only recommend one brand of antenna to use. It is Wilson. The have different versions for mounting and power applications.

CB radio's are a lot like stereo's in your truck. They have to be set up right for them to work right. A lot of people think they can just throw an antenna on the roof and plug a radio into the cigarette lighter and have a talking CB. WRONG. It can get just as expensive to put a good CB system in your truck as it costs to put a stereo in depending on how serious of a talker you want to be on it.

Let me know your interests in the matters mentioned above and I'll recommend a good system for you.

 

I certainly don't want anything hardcore. In my sometimes childish mind I just think it would be nice to be able to mostly listen to the truckers chatter and maybe now and then ask one if I can tuck in behind him. Just general chatter really, road conditions, if there's any police, etc, etc.